Bonsai back to basics - tree 5

I was recently given another small Chinese juniper to have a play with and to see what I could come up with. So I thought I’d have a go at making it into a literati style bonsai. These little trees always look pretty stark and minimal after the first styling, but I know that it will only take about 2-3 years to grow the foliage sufficiently for me to develop the foliage “clouds”. Just a bit of fun which I hope will be of some use to bonsai beginners.

[@luigiluigi2098]

What a masterclass, I had no idea what you were going to do with that. The end result is stunning as is the drawing of it's vision.
Can't believe you're 85 and still so in possession of all your skills with clarity of thought, dexterity with your hands for wiring and masterful vision.
Lucky friend I'm sure they're delighted with it.
All the best Dan!

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you so much 😀 You're very kind - much appreciated.

[@brianparnell2256]

A pleasure to watch a master at work.

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you for your kind comment - much appreciated

[@jonathanaristone2468]

I too find Literati to be so graceful. well do Dan. You make these videos such that we are not intimidated. Thanks and all the best in the new year.

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

So nice of you - many thanks Jonathan

[@stevecaspers8540]

Started out watching your pot-making demos as a novice potter and learned a lot, also thoroughly enjoy your approach to bonsai. Thanks!

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Welcome aboard!

[@ryanmulligan532]

Thanks for the great lesson on branches needing to have elegant flow. Seeing you demo that with your arms was so helpful. I’m sure your client friend will be very pleased with what you saw in his air layer!

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you for your kind comment - much appreciated

[@eriklheureux7879]

I greatly enjoyed your demonstration! We don't often have the chance to see examples of small literati bonsais and I find this one very beautiful. I hope to see updates of its development in the future. It inspires me for my own bonsai projects. Thank you and merry Christmas! 🙂

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thanks Eric for your kind remarks - much appreciated.

[@bonsai_life_style]

Last time I made tree like that in my channel I got so many dislikes because people are scared to hard prune the tree .Sometimes you have to hard prune the tree if you want something nice . And that's what some people dont understand .

[@tombusby2333]

Hard pruning to create the taper is the way...that is bonsai!

[@makari713]

I just love the vibe of this video. There is so much ease and pure joy.

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Absolutely......because that's what bonsai is about - have you visited my website: www.danbartoncreative.co.uk

[@makari713]

@@danbartonslifewithbonsai745 Yes, many times. I would like to own one of your beautiful pots someday. Do you sell products in the EU?

[@joegarland4885]

Thank you Dan for the lesson, I bet very few would have removed so many large branches but it was the right thing to do, as you say don’t judge the tree now wait a few years when the foliage has built up and filled out the pads and the tree is in a shallow bonsai pot. As you say something for nothing we all like that. Just for a bit of fun I put on the comments so the translation of your words were on the screen, it made me laugh to see how it interpreted some of your words and phrases. I too prefer bonsai trees to interpret what nature creates rather than over styling trees to a point where they become more like sculptures that you would never see in the wild. Happy Christmas to you and yours. Joe

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you Joe for your kind comments - much appreciated and may you also enjoy a wonderful Chistmas

[@andywesselsphotographyart]

Lovely video!! Enjoyed watching it on Christmas night when all the others had already gone to bed!!

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@phillipwaterman5721]

Nice job Dan tree is beautiful thanks

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you for your kind comment - much appreciated

[@rebeccahunter725]

Such a sweet little tree! Pot choice is so important, but I guess the advantage of being a potter is that you can commission the perfect pot with the right glaze or colours!

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

YEP!!!

[@sanjaybaghla1855]

Sir, You are a Great Artist. 👍😊👌. Thanks from India. 🇮🇳💐🙏

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you so much 😀 and thanks to India too

[@sanjaybaghla1855]

@@danbartonslifewithbonsai745 🙏

[@uppergorple]

Excellent photography that really drew me in to your creative process. Nice one Dan!

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you very much!

[@edumoretti6723]

Saudações do Brasil, Dan. Gostei muito...abraços

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you for your kind comment

[@bonsai_life_style]

I have that same hand-made Japanese scissors ]]]

[@brucedeacon28]

👍🙂👌

[@greenhawk1592]

Wonderfull Dan! More literati please 😉🌟

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thanks - maybe when I find some more suitable material to work on.

[@clayeasy]

Thank you again Dan for a great informative video!
This is what You could call ”Happy Bonsai”! You inspire in such a positive way!
Cheers from a dormant, cold Finland!

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you for your kind comments.

[@sayediqbel]

Amazing video, very informative 👏👏👏👏

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Glad it was helpful!

[@margaretsims4344]

Thank you for this very interesting demo. I have a very similar air layer I can use try this lesson. Love the videos. Have a great xmas 🎄 🤶

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you too! And Happy Christmas to you too!

[@soonzach4017]

Absolutely beautiful 👍

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you very much!

[@alexdgreat1]

Thanks!

[@soonzach4017]

A new subscriber, you are a very interesting artist, thank you for sharing 👍🙏

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thank you so much 😀

[@buddhadebchand8575]

Great learning sir...superb.

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thanks and welcome

[@Gallerybonsaitjimanoek]

Beautiful bonsai❤

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Thanks a lot

[@therisingofroninbonsai]

What kind of style do you knew about bonsai style , Sir ?

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

I'm not sure I understand your question, but if you want to know about bonsai styles then see if you can find a copy of my book on Amazon - The Bonsai Bonsae Book, published by Ebury Press.

[@Masn_wintr]

Thank you for your video. Absolutely love it. Would you recommend any books to read about bonsai?

[@danbartonslifewithbonsai745]

Which ones? You could try mine, "The Bonsai Book" published in 1989 by ebury press and occasionally available on Amazon from 1p - £many pounds. Just keep your eyes open for a good deal........and thank you for your kind comments.